Motorized feeding vehicle and a method of operating an animal farming system

ABSTRACT

An animal feeding vehicle includes a movement control system, a GPS receiver for generating a first set of parameters including location information, a proximity sensor for generating a second set of parameters including spatial information, a position sensor for generating a third set of parameters including motion information, a feeding system including a feeding control system for feeding animals based on a fourth set of parameters. A control unit receives the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters, and defines a first mode in which the user controls the movement control system and the feeding control system, and in which the control unit records data representing the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters; and a second mode in which the control unit controls the movement control system and the feeding system by comparing recorded data with the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application U.S. application Ser.No. 15/233,636, filed on Aug. 10, 2016, which is a divisional ofapplication U.S. application Ser. No. 14/668,176, filed on Mar. 25,2015, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/555,655, filed Nov. 27, 2014, and now U.S. Pat. No.9,510,560 which claims priority from European Application No. EP13194613.9, filed Nov. 27, 2013. This application claims priority fromEuropean Application No. EP 14161461.0, filed Mar. 25, 2014. The subjectmatter of all of the aforesaid prior applications is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a motorized feeding vehicle, an animalfarming system and a method of operating an animal farming system.

In relation to animal farming, in particular furred animal farming suchas mink farming, the animals are typically kept in a building or shed inwhich the animals are accommodated either in individual cages, or with asmall number of animals in each cage. The word “cage” should beunderstood to encompass also similar enclosures for animals. Thebuilding typically has a roof and walls, however, it may also have an atleast partially open structure. The cages are typically positioned oneach side of a passage through the building. In small farms the animalsmay be fed manually; however, in larger farms, the feeding of theanimals is performed by using a motorized feeding vehicle.

The motorized feeding vehicle may comprise a chassis, a driver position,a movement control system, a power system, a steering system and ananimal feeding system. The feeding system comprises a feed storage tankand a pipe for delivering the animal feed directly on the cages. Thefeed is typically provided in a flowable form. The user thus drives intothe building and adjacent a cage such that the pipe is located above thecage and then operates a pump or delivery system for delivering a userdetermined amount of feed for the individual animal.

The operation of such motorized feeding vehicles is very monotonous worksince it involves driving to a cage, operating the feeding system,driving to the next cage, and so on. Further, the feeding must berepeated several times every day at the times when the animals should befed. Thus, in the prior art there has been committed significant workfor developing technologies for allowing the motorized feeding vehicleto be automatically controlled. Some of the prior art technologies aredescribed below:

The German patent application DE 10 2006 037 232 A1 describes anavigation system for a vehicle which has an internal wireless readerwhich may read location data from transponders positioned in the samearea as the vehicle.

The Danish patent DK 176 402 B1 describes a fully automatic feedingvehicle, which may move automatically along a predetermined path by theaid of a wireless positioning system, such as a GPS system.

The Danish patent DK 177 425 B1 describes a feeding vehicle having anavigation system, which measures the angular rotation of a wheel andcalculates the distance which the feeding vehicle has moved based on theradius and the angular movement of the wheel.

The Danish patent DK 177 406 B1 describes a feeding vehicle having afeeding pipe divided into two pipe sections and a servo motor for movingthe feeding pipe.

The European patent application EP 366 350 A2 describes a vehicle forprimarily unmanned operation equipped with an upwardly pointing videocamera which during a manually driven learning mode observes overheadfeatures which during a subsequent unmanned trip are used for guidance.

The Dutch patent NL 1020093 relates to an autonomous vehicle having adetector for detecting floor markings.

The Dutch patent NL 1035687 relates to an unmanned vehicle having acontrol system using sensors or GPS. The sensors of the control systemmay be slides or land-marks in the surroundings in which the vehicle isused.

The United Stated patent application US 2010/0161225 A1 relates to amethod of building map information using a 3D camera for localization.

The international patent application WO 2008/101500 A1 relates to asystem for feeding fur animals in which an unmanned motorized feed cartis guided along a guide wire. The document also describes the use ofRFID tags.

The European patent EP 2 124 528 B1 relates to an unmanned vehicle forsupplying feed to an animal and having a sensor for forming an image ofan observation area.

The Chinese utility model CN 203015614 U describes an automatic feedingmachine for fur-bearing animals having a feed hopper and a feed pump.

The Chinese utility model CN 202697443 U describes an automatic feedingmachine comprising a seat and a steering wheel.

The Chinese utility model CN 201426302 Y describes an automatic feedingmachine comprising a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump.

The Chinese utility model CN 201690880 U describes an automatic feedingmachine having a hopper and a feed conveying device.

The Chinese utility model CN 201733700U relates to a small sized threewheeled vehicle having a handlebar type steering device.

The Chinese application CN 103004626A relates to a machine fordistributing feeding meat to animals having a power device that isfixedly connected to a gear shaft provided with a meshed gear pump anddischarging pipe that is connected with the bottom of a storage hopperarranged with a feeding port.

The European patent EP 0 739 161 B1 relates to a feed wagon movingbetween feed loading stations by means of a detection device for thedetection of passive beacons or a wire.

The European patent EP 2 334 169 B1 relates to an unmanned vehiclehaving a protective device in the form of an electrical conductor forprotecting the vehicle against obstacles such as animal legs.

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,689,434 B1 relates to an animal feeding systemcomprising a vehicle having a GPS system.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,957 relates to a control and monitoring systemmount in a feed truck which detects whether feed remains in the bunksfrom prior feedings.

The Danish patent 176 138 B1 relates to a method of increasing thefertility of female animals by automatic individual feeding of theanimals.

GB 1 564 197 relates to a fodder distribution system comprising a row ofindividual troughs and a fodder distribution vehicle which is movablealong the row.

US 2007/0288249 relates to a system comprising at least one device formeasuring one or more parameters of individual animals, the data beingused to determine management strategies for individual animals inreal-time.

The automatic feeding vehicles mentioned in the above mentioneddocuments allow for an automatic feeding of caged animals without thedirect involvement of a user. In order to allow the feeding vehicle tonavigate without the need of user involvement, it is necessary for thefeeding vehicle to comprise a navigation system. The navigation systemsused in the above mentioned prior art documents may basically be dividedinto global navigation systems, such as GPS, local navigation systems,such as RFID tags or cameras; and onboard navigation systems, such as anonboard distance and directional measurement.

All of the above systems have their individual advantages and drawbacks.The global navigation systems typically depend on satellites emittinghigh frequency radio waves which allow a very accurate localization butwhich cannot be accurately received indoors. Local navigation systemsmay be positioned both indoors and outdoors; however, they may be verysensitive to dust, rain, snow, and similar environmental influence.Onboard navigation systems have the inherent drawback that a welldetermined starting position is required, and any navigation errorthereafter is cumulative and thus increases over time and distance fromthe well-defined starting point.

Some navigation systems depend on beacons or electric wires which areinstalled on the premises of the animal farming system. Such navigationsystems may provide a high location accuracy by utilizing a method suchas triangulation for position; however, such systems require highinvestments to be made in order to install the system. There is,however, a need for accurate location systems which may be used directlyin an existing animal farming system without having to invest in newinfrastructure.

Thus, all of the above described feeding vehicles suffer from a risk offailure in the navigation system. Such failure should be avoided sinceit will require user involvement. Therefore, the object of the presentinvention is to find a technology which allows for a more secure andfail-safe navigation of a motorized feeding vehicle while keeping theinvestment in the animal farming system low.

SUMMARY

The above objects together with numerous other objects which are evidentfrom the detailed description of the present invention are obtainedaccording to a first aspect of the present invention by a motorizedfeeding vehicle for an animal farming system, the animal farming systemcomprising a field having a building accommodating a plurality of cages,each cage adapted for accommodating one or more animals, preferably afurred animal, most preferably a mink, the motorized feeding vehiclecomprising:

-   -   a power system for driving the motorized feeding vehicle,    -   a steering system for determining a direction of the motorized        feeding vehicle,    -   a user operated movement control system for manually controlling        the power system and the steering system,    -   a satellite navigation system receiver for generating a first        set of parameters constituting location information from a        satellite navigation system,    -   a proximity sensor for generating a second set of parameters        constituting spatial information of an area adjacent said        motorized feeding vehicle,    -   an internal position sensor comprising a direction sensor and a        velocity sensor for generating a third set of parameters        constituting motion information,    -   an animal feeding system comprising a feed storage tank for        storing animal feed and a feeding pipe for conveying the animal        feed from the feed storage tank to the cages individually, the        animal feeding system further comprising a feeding control        system for controlled feeding or non-feeding the animals via the        animal feeding system based on a fourth set of parameters        constituting feeding parameters, and,    -   a control unit connected to the satellite navigation system for        receiving the first set of parameters, to the proximity sensor        for receiving the second set of parameters, and to said internal        position sensor for receiving the third set of parameters, the        control unit defining:        -   a first mode constituting a learn mode in which the user is            controlling the motorized feeding vehicle via the user            operated movement control system and the user feeding            control system and the control unit continuously recording            data representing the first set of parameters, the second            set of parameters, the third set of parameters and the            fourth set of parameters, and        -   a second mode constituting an autonomous mode in which the            control unit is controlling the power system, the steering            system and    -   the animal feeding system by comparing the recorded data with        the first set of parameters, the second set of parameters, the        third set of parameters and the fourth set of parameters.

By combining three different navigation systems, namely a satellitenavigation system, a proximity sensor and an internal position sensor,the location of the motorized feeding vehicle may be determined moreaccurately and the motorized feeding vehicle may be navigated moreprecisely in an autonomous mode than relying on only one or twodifferent navigation systems. In case one or even two of the threenavigation systems falls out, navigation will still be possible.Especially, if one or even two of the three navigation systems gives anon-accurate location, the error may be compensated by accurateinformation from the remaining navigation system(s).

The control unit may also be set up using a primary navigation system,e.g. the proximity sensor and the second set of parameters. In case theproximity sensor cannot accurately detect any objects in the nearbyspatial environment, e.g. if the motorized feeding vehicle are locatedtoo far from any object, such as a wall or the like, the control unitmay use the satellite navigation system receiver, i.e. the first set ofparameters. When both the first and second sets of parameters areinaccurate, e.g. when navigating between cages within the building, thecontrol unit uses the internal position sensor, i.e. the third set ofparameters.

The motorized feeding vehicle is intended for navigating within andoutside the building accommodating the animals. A separate maintenanceshed is typically provided for the motorized feeding vehicle, in whichit may be serviced and resupplied. The motorized feeding vehicle shouldthus by be able to navigate from the shed into the building, passing allof the cages, and thereafter returning to the maintenance shed.

The power system may comprise an electrical motor or a combustion enginefor driving a set of wheels or caterpillar tracks. The steering systemallows the motorized feeding vehicle to change direction by e.g.changing the direction of the wheels or the velocity of the caterpillartracks. The power system and the steering system may be controlled bythe user operated control system which may comprise pedals, steeringwheel, levers etc. for controlling the steering system and the powersystem.

The first set of parameters constitutes location information indicatingthe location of the motorized feeding vehicle, e.g. coordinates such aslongitude and latitude. The satellite navigation system receivercontinuously generates the first set of parameters by receivingsatellite information. The receiver must receive signals with sufficientsignal strength from a certain number of satellites, typically at leastthree, in order to establish the location with high accuracy. Roofs,walls and cloudy skies may reduce the signal strength and thus make thefirst set of parameters less accurate.

The proximity sensor fulfills the purpose of detecting objectsobstructing the motorized feeding vehicle. The proximity sensor has thedual function of a collision prevention system and a navigation system.Acting as a collision prevention system, the object may be a humanbeing, an animal or any other larger movable article which may bedamaged by or cause damage to, the motorized feeding vehicle in case ofcollision. Acting as a navigation system, the object may be the externaland internal walls of the building of the animal farming system. Whenthe motorized feeding vehicle is navigating in the field, the proximitysensor will normally not receive any information. When approaching theentrance of the building, the proximity sensor will allow the motorizedfeeding vehicle to enter and avoid collisions with the external wall ofthe building. When in the passage between cages, the proximity sensorwill prevent collision with the cages and allow the motorized feedingvehicle to navigate along the passage. The control unit may beconfigured to navigate and avoid collision both in learn mode and inautonomous mode. In learn mode, the motorized feeding vehicle maygenerate the second set of parameters constituting spatial informationindicating e.g. the width and location of the entrance and passage,whereas in the autonomous mode, the motorized feeding vehicle may usethe recorded spatial information for navigation and further be caused todeviate from its derived route and make a detour about any occasionalobject. Further, objects may be placed in the field and along thepassage to detect via the proximity sensor of the motorized feedingvehicle, e.g. as an indication of the location of a specific cage.

The internal position sensor uses the direction sensor and the velocitysensor for generating the third set of parameters constituting motionparameters. The motion parameters may be used for determining thelocation of the motorized feeding vehicle by deriving the location usingthe motion parameters from a predetermined location, e.g. the locationof the maintenance shed or alternatively the location information fromthe first or second set of parameters. The new location of the motorizedfeeding vehicle is determined from the distance and direction travelledfrom the predetermined location. The velocity and the time travelled aretypically used for determining the distance. The location may thus beestablished without the need of any external devices. The motionparameters may also be used directly by the control unit for navigatingbetween two locations.

The food storage tank of the animal feeding system may be filled at themaintenance shed. The fourth set of parameters may provide informationabout the amount of feed to be distributed to each animal. The feed issimply pumped at or onto the cage in the right amount by the use of thefeeding pipe. The feeding may be controlled by the user utilizing thefeeding control system. In this way the fourth set of parameters may berecorded including e.g. the amount of feed given to a certain animalkept at a certain cage location.

The control unit is typically located in the feeding vehicle althoughsome parts of it, such as data storage, may be located on a centralizedserver e.g. at the maintenance shed. The first mode of the motorizedfeeding vehicle defines the learn mode in which the user is driving themotorized feeding vehicle and the data comprising the first, second,third, and fourth sets of parameters are recorded by the control unit.The control system thus continuously records the first, second, third,and fourth sets of parameters using a predetermined sampling rate, e.g.1 sample per second or 10 samples per second or more. The user typicallyperforms a normal feeding run using the user operated control system,e.g. drives from the maintenance shed, into the building and feeding allanimals within the cages using the animal feeding system and returningto the maintenance shed. The data thus includes location informationfrom three independent navigation systems, namely the satellitenavigation system, the proximity sensor and the internal positionsensor. Additionally, the data includes the feeding parameters definingthe amount of feed to dispense at the specific locations of the animals.It is contemplated that the feeding parameters may be determined duringlearn mode, or a constant amount of feed may be given to each animal, orthe amount of feed may be determined by user inputting the feedingparameters.

The second mode defines the autonomous mode. In this mode, the controlsystem is controlling the motorized feeding vehicle essentially withoutuser involvement. The control system uses the previously recorded datato navigate the motorized feeding vehicle from the maintenance shed,into the building and feeding all animals within the cages using theanimal feeding system, and returning to the maintenance shed. When themotorized feeding vehicle is navigating by use of the control unit inthe autonomous mode, the power system and steering system is controlledby the control unit. The control system may use the velocity inherentlydefined by the data and the sampling rate, or the velocity may bepredetermined or internally defined by an internal vehicle stabilitysystem. The direction may be established by periodical coursecorrections based on the difference between the generated first, second,and third sets of parameters and the recorded data. The animal feedingsystem may also be autonomously controlled by using the recorded fourthset of parameters together with the first, second, and third sets ofparameters in order to provide the correct amount of food to the correctanimal in the cage.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the motorizedfeeding vehicle comprises an electromagnetic reader for reading anidentification device of each cage and/or each animal, the readerpreferably being an RFID reader or an optical reader. The identificationdevice may comprise information about the animal and of the location ofthe animal and/or cage within the building. Additional identificationdevices may be located at the entrance of the building and outside thebuilding for providing location information only. This locationinformation may during learn mode be recorded by a further set ofparameters which may be used later during autonomous mode as additionalnavigation information. The reader preferably receives the informationfrom the identification devices by the use of wireless technologies whenthe reader is located within a certain distance from the indemnificationdevice. Triangulation methods may be used for fixating the location ofthe motorized feeding vehicle provided at least two identificationdevices are within range.

Preferably, an RFID tag on each of the cage and/or directly on theanimals, e.g. the tails of the animals, may be used for remotely andwireless reading of the identification devices. Alternatively, anoptical tag and an optical reader may be used, e.g. a barcode or QRcode.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the motorizedfeeding vehicle includes a detector for determining the amount of feedpresent or not present in the cage, the detector preferably being acamera or an ultrasound detector. The detector may e.g. be connected tothe animal feeding system in order to determine the amount of feed to bereleased onto the cage. The information of remaining feed may also beused for continuously altering the fourth set of parameters such thatall animals receive the proper amount of feed.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the field and/orthe building comprises additional identification devices for navigation.The additional identification devices may be used for navigating outsidethe building and through small passages, e.g. through the entrance ofthe building.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the proximitysensor comprises a IR, radar, or laser proximity sensor, and/or a sensorfor detecting objects a specific distance from the motorized feedingvehicle, preferably 0.5 m-2 m from the motorized feeding vehicle, suchas 1 m from the motorized feeding vehicle. IR, radar and laser definetechnologies for detecting nearby objects with high accuracy. 1 mprovides a suitable distance for being able to reduce the velocity ofthe motorized feeding vehicle and turn the vehicle.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the data may beexported from the control unit and/or the data may be imported into thecontrol unit. It is not necessary to use the same motorized feedingvehicle for performing the learn mode and the autonomous mode. The datarecorded by one motorized feeding vehicle may be read into anothermotorized feeding vehicle, eliminating the need of performing the learnmode for every vehicle in case multiple vehicles are used in the sameanimal farming system.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, in the motorizedfeeding vehicle according to the description, wherein the control unitis controlling the power system and the steering system based on aweighing algorithm using the recorded data, the first set of parameters,the second set of parameters, the third set of parameters, and thefourth set of parameters, the weighing algorithm preferably beingadaptive, such as a Kalman filter. The control unit may include acontrol algorithm for controlling the autonomous cruising of themotorized feeding vehicle based on the recorded data and thecontinuously received first, second third and, optionally, fourth set ofparameters. An adaptive control or robust control algorithm may be usedbased on the first, second and third sets of parameters. The controlalgorithm may e.g. be based on a Kalman filter.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the first set ofparameters is ignored if the satellite navigation system receiver is notreceiving navigation information from a sufficient number of satellites,and/or, the second set of parameters is ignored if the proximity sensorcannot detect any nearby object, and/or, the third set of parameters isignored if an onboard accelerometer detects loss of traction of thepower system of the motorized feeding vehicle. The decision whether ornot to ignore a set of parameters may also be based on the factors whichare known to influence the quality of the location information. Asatellite navigation system receiver typically must achieve a stableconnection to at least three, preferably four, satellites in order toprovide reliable location information. The proximity sensor must be veryclose to an object in order for the proximity sensor to assume that themotorized feeding vehicle is positioned correctly and thus the spatialinformation cannot be considered to be correct in case the nearestobjects are far away. The internal position sensor may not be able toyield accurate motion information in case the motorized feeding vehicledrives over a small object or in case the power system looses traction.Thus, in case the onboard accelerometer detects loss of traction, themotion information may be ignored since it may be deemed to beinaccurate.

The control unit may e.g. be ignoring one set of parameters of the firstset of parameters, the second set of parameters and the third set ofparameters if the one set of parameters deviates in relation to theother two sets of parameters by more than a certain value, e.g. 1 m. Anyone of the first, second and third sets of parameters may be inaccuratefor the several reasons stated above. It may be assumed that in case oneof the three sets of parameters deviates from the other two by the abovedistance, the set may be ignored since it is a high probability that theone deviating set of parameters is inaccurate. The control unit may thususe the remaining two sets of parameters for navigation and ignore theset of parameters deemed to be inaccurate.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the feeding pipeis movable in 1 or 2 degrees of freedom, preferably in 1 rotational ortranslational degree of freedom, most preferably in 1 rotational degreeof freedom. In order for the motorized feeding vehicle to be able toassume a compact shape when the motorized feeding vehicle is movingwithin and outside the building while allowing the feeding to beaccomplished in a safe way, the feeding pipe may be movable in order forthe end of the feeding pipe to be positioned above the cage when thefeed is released, wherein the feeding pipe may have at least 1rotational or translational degree of freedom. In this way the motorizedfeeding vehicle is compact when moving in and out of the building, whileduring feeding the feeding pipe may be extended in order to reach inabove the cages for releasing the feed onto the cages.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the motorizedfeeding vehicle comprises a heat sensitive camera, such as an IR camera,for determining a status, such as a health status, of the animalsindividually.

When the animals are fed, the motorized feeding vehicle maysimultaneously utilize a heat camera in order to determine whether ananimal is present in the cage or not. The number of live animals maythereby be easily calculated while the animals are fed.

Further, the heat camera may monitor the health status of the animal bymeasuring the body temperature of the animal. The body temperature iscommonly used in the veterinary science for identifying sick animals.The normal body temperature varies between species. An elevated bodytemperature, i.e. fever, is indicative of that the animal is affected bya disease. The control unit may record the body temperature of theanimal and compare the measured body temperature with the standard bodytemperature. In case the difference between the measured bodytemperature and the standard body temperature is above a certain value,it indicates that the animal has a fever and may be affected by adisease. The animal may thereafter be removed and treated in order toavoid spreading of disease among the population of animals within thebuilding.

Yet further, the heat camera may be used for identifying animalinjuries. An injured animal may have a higher body temperature at thelocation of the injury. Such injured animals may also be removed andtreated. The heat camera may also detect animals suffering from anunusually low body temperature.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the motorizedfeeding vehicle comprises a surveillance camera for observing theanimals and/or the motorized feeding vehicle and/or the surroundings ofthe motorized feeding vehicle. The surveillance camera may be used formonitoring the animals and the farm in order to detect anyirregularities.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the motorizedfeeding vehicle comprises a wireless communication unit, such as a WIFIor GSM unit, for communicating any of the first set of parameters, thesecond set of parameters, the third set of parameters, the fourth set ofparameters and the data to a server, computer or handheld device. Thesets of parameters may be communicated to a server for generatingstatistics of the feeding of the animals. The measured data may also beused for optimizing the feeding.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the internalposition sensor comprises any of an inertial navigation system, acompass, a sensor monitoring the user operated movement control systemand a sensor measuring an angular rotation of the power system of themotorized feeding vehicle. The internal position sensor may e.g.determine the velocity and/or the distance travelled by the motorizedfeeding vehicle by measuring the number of rotations of the wheels overa time period. The direction of the motorized feeding vehicle may bedetermined by measuring the direction of the steering wheels.Alternatively, the direction may be determined via a compass. Yetalternatively, an inertial navigation system, such as an IMU, may beused for determining the acceleration of the motorized feeding vehicleand thereby derive the velocity and/or distance over a time period.

The above object together with numerous other objects which are evidentfrom the detailed description of the present invention are obtainedaccording to a second aspect of the present invention by an animalfarming system comprising a field having a building accommodating aplurality of cages, each cage adapted for accommodating one or moreanimals, preferably a furred animal, most preferably a mink, the animalfarming system comprising a motorized feeding vehicle according to thefirst aspect for moving within and outside the building.

It is evident that any of the further features described above inconnection with the motorized feeding vehicle according to the firstaspect may be used in the animal farming system according to the secondaspect.

The above object together with numerous other objects which are evidentfrom the detailed description of the present invention are obtainedaccording to a third aspect of the present invention by a retrofit kitfor a motorized feeding vehicle for an animal farming system, the animalfarming system comprising a field having a building accommodating aplurality of cages, each cage adapted for accommodating one or moreanimals, preferably a furred animal, most preferably a mink, themotorized feeding vehicle comprising:

-   -   a power system for driving the motorized feeding vehicle,    -   a steering system for determining a direction of the motorized        feeding vehicle,    -   a user operated movement control system for manually controlling        the power system and the steering system, and    -   an animal feeding system comprising a feed storage tank for        storing animal feed and a feeding pipe for conveying the animal        feed from the feed storage tank to the cages individually,        the retrofit kit comprising:    -   a satellite navigation system receiver for generating a first        set of parameters constituting location information from a        satellite navigation system,    -   a proximity sensor for generating a second set of parameters        constituting spatial information of an area adjacent the        motorized feeding vehicle,    -   an internal position sensor comprising a direction sensor and a        velocity sensor for generating a third set of parameters        constituting motion information,    -   a feeding control system for controlled feeding or non-feeding        of the animals via the animal feeding system based on a fourth        set of parameters constituting feeding parameters, and,    -   a control unit connected to the satellite navigation system for        receiving the first set of parameters, to the proximity sensor        for receiving the second set of parameters, and to the internal        position sensor for receiving the third set of parameters, the        control unit defining:        -   a first mode constituting a learn mode in which the user is            controlling the motorized feeding vehicle via the user            operated movement control system and the user feeding            control system and the control unit continuously recording            data representing the first set of parameters, the second            set of parameters, the third set of parameters and the            fourth set of parameters, and        -   a second mode constituting an autonomous mode in which the            control unit is controlling the power system, the steering            system and the animal feeding system by comparing the            recorded data with the first set of parameters, the second            set of parameters, the third set of parameters and the            fourth set of parameters.

The retrofit kit may be used for converting a non-autonomous motorizedfeeding vehicle to be able to be run automatically. The existingmotorized feeding vehicle is expected to include at least the powersystem, the steering system, the user operated movement control systemand the animal feeding system. The navigation systems may be added inthe form of a kit. It is evident that some parts of the kit may bealready included in the existing motorized feeding vehicle.

The above object together with numerous other objects which are evidentfrom the detailed description of the present invention are obtainedaccording to a fourth aspect of the present invention by a method ofoperating an animal farming system, the animal farming system comprisinga field having a building accommodating a plurality of cages, each cageadapted for accommodating one or more animals, preferably a furredanimal, most preferably a mink, the method comprising providing amotorized feeding vehicle, the motorized feeding vehicle comprising:

-   -   a power system for driving the motorized feeding vehicle,    -   a steering system for determining a direction of the motorized        feeding vehicle,    -   a user operated movement control system for manually controlling        the power system and the steering system,    -   a satellite navigation system receiver for generating a first        set of parameters constituting location information from a        satellite navigation system,    -   a proximity sensor for generating a second set of parameters        constituting spatial information of an area adjacent said        motorized feeding vehicle,    -   an internal position sensor comprising a direction sensor and a        velocity sensor for generating a third set of position        parameters constituting motion information, an animal feeding        system comprising a feed storage tank for storing animal feed        and a feeding pipe for conveying the animal feed from the feed        storage tank to the cages individually, the animal feeding        system further comprising a feeding control system for user        controlled feeding or non-feeding of the animals via the animal        feeding system and for establishing a fourth set of parameters        constituting feeding parameters, and    -   a control unit connected to the satellite navigation system for        receiving the first set of parameters, to the proximity sensor        for receiving the second set of parameters and to the internal        position sensor for receiving the third set of parameters, the        method comprising the additional steps of:    -   moving the motorized feeding vehicle in a first mode        constituting a learn mode in which the user is controlling the        motorized feeding vehicle via the user operated movement control        system and the user feeding control system and the control unit        continuously recording data representing the first set of        parameters, the second set of parameters, the third set of        parameters and the fourth set of parameters, and    -   moving the motorized feeding vehicle in a second mode        constituting an autonomous mode in which the control unit is        controlling the power system, the steering system and the animal        feeding system by comparing the recorded data with the first set        of parameters, the second set of parameters, the third set of        parameters and the fourth set of parameters.

It is evident that any of the further features described above inconnection with the motorized feeding vehicle according to the firstaspect may be used in the method according to the fourth aspect.

The above object together with numerous other objects which are evidentfrom the detailed description of the present invention are obtainedaccording to a fifth aspect of the present invention by a motorizedanimal status vehicle for an animal farming system, the animal farmingsystem comprising a field having a building accommodating a plurality ofcages, each cage adapted for accommodating one or more animals,preferably a furred animal, most preferably a mink, the motorized animalstatus vehicle comprising:

-   -   a power system for driving the motorized animal status vehicle,    -   a steering system for determining a direction of the motorized        animal status vehicle, and    -   a heat sensitive camera, such as an IR camera, for determining a        status, such as a health status, of the animals individually.

It is evident that the heat camera described above may be used in ananimal status vehicle without necessarily including the navigation andfeeding features.

According to a further embodiment of the fourth aspect, the motorizedanimal status vehicle further comprises a calculation unit forcalculating the number of animals present in said animal farming system.The heat camera may be used in order to determine whether an animal ispresent in the cage or not. The number of live animals may thereby beeasily calculated

According to a further embodiment of the fourth aspect, the motorizedanimal status vehicle further comprises a determination unit fordetermining the health status of animals present in said animal farmingsystem. Further, the heat camera may monitor the health status of theanimal by measuring the body temperature of the animal. The bodytemperature is commonly used in the veterinary science for identifyingsick animals. The normal body temperature varies between species. Anelevated body temperature, i.e. fever, is indicative of that the animalis affected by a disease. The control unit may record the bodytemperature of the animal and compare the measured body temperature withthe standard body temperature. In case the difference between themeasured body temperature and the standard body temperature is above acertain value, it indicates that the animal has a fever and may beaffected by a disease. The animal may thereafter be removed and treatedin order to avoid spread of disease among the population of animalswithin the building.

Yet further, the heat camera may be used for identifying animalinjuries. An injured animal may have a higher body temperature at thelocation of the injury. Such injured animals may also be removed andtreated. The heat camera may also detect animals suffering from anunusually low body temperature.

The above object together with numerous other objects which are evidentfrom the detailed description of the present invention are obtainedaccording to a sixth aspect of the present invention by a method ofoperating an animal farming system, the animal farming system comprisinga field having a building accommodating a plurality of cages, each cageadapted for accommodating one or more animals, preferably a furredanimal, most preferably a mink, the method comprising providing amotorized animal status vehicle, the motorized animal status vehiclecomprising:

-   -   a power system for driving the motorized animal status vehicle,    -   a steering system for determining a direction of the motorized        animal status vehicle, and    -   a heat sensitive camera, such as an IR camera, for determining a        status, such as a health status, of the animals individually,        said method comprising the further steps of:    -   moving said motorized animal status vehicle to a specific cage        of said plurality of cages, and    -   measuring a body temperature of said animal in said specific        cage.

It is evident that the method according to the fifth aspect may be usedtogether with the motorized animal status vehicle according to the fifthaspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of an animal farming system and a motorized feedingvehicle.

FIG. 2A-D is a series describing the motorized feeding vehicle in thefirst mode.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the motorized feeding vehicle.

FIG. 4A-D is a series describing the motorized feeding vehicle in thesecond mode.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the motorizedfeeding vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a chart illustrating the working principle of the controlunit.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the working principle of themotorized feeding vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle having afeed dispenser.

FIG. 9A-D is a series describing the movement of the feed dispenser.

FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a feed dispensing device.

FIG. 11A-D is a series describing the working principle of the feeddispensing device.

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of a safety mechanism for thefeed dispenser.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the upper part of the safety mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the lower part of the safety mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an animal farming system 10. Theanimal farming system 10 is located on a field and comprises a number ofsheds or buildings 12. Each building 12 comprises a passage 14 and aplurality of cages 16 on each side of the passage 14 accessible from thepassage 14. Each cage 14 comprises one or more animals (not shown), suchas a furred animal, and in particular a mink. The animal farming system10 further comprise a motorized feeding vehicle 20 initially positionedat a maintenance shed 22. The motorized feeding vehicle 20 is adaptedfor moving along a path 24 on the field surrounding the buildings 12 andthrough the buildings 12 indicated by the arrows. The motorized feedingvehicle 20 may be moved either in a learning mode or in an autonomousmode, which both will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20entering a building 12 via an entrance 26. The motorized feeding vehicle20 comprises an animal feeding system comprising a feed storage tank 28filled by an animal feed 30 and a feeding pipe 32 for conveying theanimal feed 30 from the feed storage tank 28 via a pump (not shown) tothe exterior. The feeding pipe 32 is swingable between the presentcontracted state allowing the motorized feeding vehicle 20 to passthough the entrance, and an extended state which will be explained indetail below.

The motorized feeding vehicle 20 also comprises a power system 34including four wheels 36, 36′ and a diesel engine 38. The presentmotorized feeding vehicle 20 is in a learn mode in which a user 40controls the movement of the motorized feeding vehicle 20 via a controlsystem and a steering system comprising a steering wheel 42 whichcontrols the direction of the front wheels 36′. The entrance 26 of thebuilding comprises an RFID tag 44 which will be explained in detailbelow. Also, each of the cages may comprise an RFID tag 44.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 whenit has entered the building 12 via the entrance 26. The motorizedfeeding vehicle 20 is thus positioned in front of a cage 16 includingone or more animals 18. The user 40 swings the feeding pipe 32 to theextended state partially extending partially above the cage 16.

FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 whenthe user 40 has engaged the animal feeding system in order to conveyanimal feed 30 from the tank 28 onto the cage 16 via the feeding pipe32.

FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 whenthe user 40 drives along the passage 14 and delivers a specific amountof feed 30′ to each of the cages 16 via the animal feeding system.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up perspective view of the motorized feedingvehicle 20. The motorized feeding vehicle 20 comprises three navigationsystems, optionally four, all using different technologies. Themotorized feeding vehicle 20 comprises a satellite navigation systemreceiver (GPS receiver) 46 for generating a first set of parametersconstituting location information from a satellite navigation system(not shown).

The motorized feeding vehicle 20 further comprises a proximity sensor48, such as an IR/Laser sensor, for generating a second set ofparameters constituting spatial information. The spatial informationrepresents the location of nearby objects such as the walls, the cagesand the entrance of the building of the animal farming system. Also,objects permanently present outside the building may be included in thespatial information, as well as object occasionally occurring in thepath of the motorized feeding vehicle 20.

The motorized feeding vehicle 20 yet further comprises an internalposition sensor 50 comprising a direction sensor and a velocity sensorfor generating a third set of parameters constituting motioninformation. The motion information represents thevelocity/acceleration/distance/direction traveled by the motorizedfeeding vehicle 20.

The information representing the amount of feed delivered to each cageby the feeding pipe 32 and the status of the feeding pipe may be storedas a fourth set of feeding parameters. In this way, the feeding may aswell be performed automatically. The amount of feed delivered to eachcage may be predetermined, inputted manually, or be determined in thelearn mode.

The motorized feeding vehicle 20 further comprise an RFID reader 52which detects nearby RFID tags used for localization. The informationreceived from the RFID reader 52 of nearby RFID tags may be used forgenerating an optional fifth set of parameters which may be used fornavigation.

The motorized feeding vehicle 20 may also include an IR camera 54 fordetecting the presence or non-presence of an animal within the cage. TheIR camera 54 may also be used for determining the number and thelocation of the animal(s) and the presence of any remaining feed in thecage. Further, the IR camera 54 may be used for determining thetemperature of the animal. The temperature of the animal may be used fordetermining whether the animal is sick, i.e. has a fever, or otherdiseases as well as injuries. The information about the health status ofthe animal may be stored.

The motorized feeding vehicle 20 further comprises a control unit 56,which is connected to the satellite navigation system receiver 46, theproximity sensor 48, the internal position sensor 50, the feedingsystem, the RFID reader 52 and the IR camera 54. When the user iscontrolling the motorized feeding vehicle 20 via the user operatedmovement control system, the control unit 56 is in learn mode, in whichall of the first, second, third, fourth and optionally fifth sets ofparameters are recorded as data. Optionally, the IR camera data may berecorded as well. In case any sets of parameters cannot be properlyreceived, they may be ignored.

When the control unit 56 is set to autonomous mode, the power system 34and the steering system 42 are controlled by the control unit 56 basedon the previously recorded data, including at least the first, second,and third sets of data. During autonomous mode, the control unit 56continuously compares the recorded data with the continuously generatedfirst, second, and third sets of parameters. In this way, the motorizedfeeding vehicle 20 may be navigated very accurately. In case more thanone of the first, second and third sets of parameters are received, thenavigation of the motorized feeding vehicle is based on a runningaverage, a weighing algorithm or a Kalman filtering algorithm.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 inautonomous mode approaching the entrance 26. When outside the building12 the control unit 56 uses primarily the first and second sets ofparameters compared to the corresponding recorded data for continuouslyperforming course corrections. The proximity sensor 48 may be used whenavoiding occasional obstacle along the path of travel of the motorizedfeeding vehicle 20.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 inautonomous mode passing through the entrance 26. The third set ofparameters and optionally the fifth set of parameters may be used inorder to position the motorized feeding vehicle 20 correctly in thepassage 14 of the building 20. At this point, the first set ofparameters may be inaccurate and navigation may be performed based onthe other sets of parameters only compared to the recorded data. Oncethe entrance 26 has been cleared, the feeding pipe 32 may be extendedautomatically and the feeding started based on the data of the recordedfourth set of parameters.

FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 inautonomous mode during feeding. The feeding of each animal 18 in thecages 16 may be based on the data of the fourth set of parameterspreviously recorded.

FIG. 4D shows a perspective view of a motorized feeding vehicle 20 inautonomous mode during movement in the passage 14 based on thecomparison between the recorded data and the continuously recorded setsof parameters. Further, the IR camera 54 may be monitoring the status ofthe animal.

The feeding vehicle 20 will continue through the passage 14 and providefeed to the animals 18. When the feed tank 28 is empty, the feedingvehicle 20 may be programmed to autonomously return to a re-supplystation being e.g. the maintenance shed 22 to be resupplied. Themaintenance shed 22 may include a silo (not shown) including animal feedfor resupplying the feed tank 28 of the feeding vehicle 20.Alternatively, a separate silo building is provided to which the feedingvehicle 20 may move autonomously and at which the feed tank 28 may beresupplied. The motorized feeding vehicle 20 may use the satellitenavigation system receiver 46 and the proximity sensor 48 whennavigating to the re-supply station. When navigating back to theposition at which the feed tank 28 was empty, also the internal positionsensor 50 may be used.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amotorized feeding vehicle 20 when communicating with a server 60 viaantennas 58, 58′ on the vehicle 20 and the server 60, respectively. Therecorded data may be transmitted to the server 60 for use with othermotorized feeding vehicles 20. The motorized feeding vehicle 20 may alsocomprise cameras 62 for use in controlling the motorized feeding vehicle20 remotely. A second feeding pipe 32′ may be provided on the oppositeside of the vehicle from the first feeding pipe 32. The second feedingpipe 32 may include a second IR camera 54 and a second camera 62 for usein controlling vehicle movement.

The present motorized feeding vehicle 20 comprises electric motors 38′in all of the wheels 36, 36′ for driving the motorized feeding vehicleand replacing the diesel engine. The electric motor 38′ is powered by abattery pack (not shown), which may be recharged at the maintenance shed22. Further, the present motorized feeding vehicle 20 comprises anarticulated steering mechanism.

FIG. 6 shows a chart illustrating the working principle of the controlunit. The RoboFeeder Controller subsystem, which may be provided as aretrofit kit for upgrading existing manually controlled motorizedfeeding vehicles to autonomous control, includes the followingsubsystems:

-   -   a) The Navigation Subsystem constituting the satellite        navigation system receiver, which comprises an on board GPS        antenna for receiving location information.    -   b) The Collision Prevention Subsystem constituting the proximity        sensor including the IR scanner for providing spatial        information.    -   c) The Feeder Arm Subsystem including the Feeder Arm mechanics        and the RFID reader.    -   d) The Vehicle Velocity Control Subsystem including speed and        direction systems.    -   e) The speed and direction systems comprising a respective        sensor and actuator.    -   f) The Control Panel Subsystem comprising a display, LEDs and        sound.

The RoboFeeder controller may optionally be connected to a stationaryGPS subsystem and a remote computer subsystem.

FIG. 7 is a self explanatory flow chart illustrating the workingprinciple of the motorized feeding vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a motorizedfeeding vehicle 20′. The motorized feeding vehicle 20′ comprises a feeddispenser 64. The feed dispenser 64 comprise a first vertical telescopiccylinder 66 mounted at the front of the motorized feeding vehicle 20′. Asecond vertical telescopic cylinder 68 is slidably mounted on the firstvertical telescopic cylinder 66 for allowing the second verticaltelescopic cylinder 68 to move in the vertical direction in relation tothe first vertical telescopic cylinder 66.

A first horizontal telescopic cylinder 70 is mounted on the secondvertical telescopic cylinder 68 and a second horizontal telescopiccylinder 72 is slidably mounted on the first telescopic cylinder 70 forallowing the second horizontal telescopic cylinder 72 to move in thehorizontal direction in relation to the first horizontal telescopiccylinder 70. A feed dispensing device 74 is mounted on the secondhorizontal telescopic cylinder 72. A feeding pipe 32 supplies animalfeed to the feed dispensing device 74. By moving the second verticaltelescopic cylinder 68 and the second horizontal telescopic cylinder 72the feed dispensing device may be moved in the vertical and horizontaldirections.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the feed dispenser 64 in a contractedstate. In this state the feed dispenser 64 does not extend outside theperimeter defined by the motorized feeding vehicle. This state is usedwhen moving the motorized feeding vehicle though doorways.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the feed dispenser 64 in an elevatedstate. In this state the second vertical telescopic cylinder 68 has beenmoved in relation to the first vertical telescopic cylinder 66 in orderto elevate the feed dispensing device 74. This state is used whenapproaching an animal cage.

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the feed dispenser 64 in an dispensingstate. In this state the second horizontal telescopic cylinder 72 hasbeen moved in relation to the first horizontal telescopic cylinder 70 inorder to reach above an animal cage. This state is used when feeding theanimals and when moving between adjacent cages.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the feed dispenser 64 in an interruptstate. The first horizontal telescopic cylinder 70 is loosely mounted onthe second vertical telescopic cylinder 68 such that it may rotate whenexposed to a force. Thus, the first and second horizontal telescopiccylinders 70 72 will rotate in relation to the first and second verticaltelescopic cylinder 66 68 when for instance the feed dispensing device74 colliding with a doorway, an animal cage or any object accidentallyplaced in the operational area of the motorized feeding vehicle. Thisstate will allow the motorized feeding vehicle to safely shut down whenthere is an object obstructing the feed dispenser 64 in the dispensingstate.

FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the feed dispensing device74. The feed dispensing device 74 comprise a portioning device 76located within a cover 78. The portioning device 74 is supplied withanimal feed via the feeding pipe 32. A sealing ring 80 is used forsealing between the portioning device 76 and the cover 78. Theportioning device 76 may be rotated in relation to the cover 78 by meansof a motor 82. The portioning device 76 comprises a first aperture 84and the cover 78 comprises a second aperture 86. When the portioningdevice 76 has been rotated such that the first aperture 84 and thesecond aperture 86 are flush, the feed may be dispensed, whereas whenthe first aperture 84 and the second aperture 86 are non-flush, the feedis not dispensed.

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of the portioning device 76 and thecover 78. In the present embodiment, the cover 78 comprises a secondaperture 86 in the form of one elongated aperture whereas the portioningdevice 76 comprises a first aperture 84 in the form of two elongateapertures. By rotating the portioning device 76 in the direction asshown by the arrow, a quicker dispensing of the feed may be achievedusing two apertures in the portioning device compared to using only oneaperture.

FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of the portioning device 76 and thecover 78. In the present embodiment, the cover 78 comprises a secondaperture 86 in the form of one elongated aperture whereas the portioningdevice 76 comprise a first aperture in the form of one thin elongateaperture 84 and one thick elongate aperture 84′. In this way twodifferent flows of feed may be achieved depending on the rotationaldirection of the portioning device 76, i.e. depending on whether thethin elongate aperture or the thick elongate aperture are flush with thesecond aperture 86.

FIG. 11C shows a perspective view of the portioning device 76 and thecover 78. In the present embodiment, the cover 78 comprises a secondaperture 86′ in the form of one circular aperture whereas the portioningdevice 76 comprise one circular aperture of a small diameter 84″ and onea circular aperture of a large diameter 84″'. In this way two differentflows of feed may be achieved depending on the rotational direction ofthe portioning device 76, i.e. depending on whether the small diameteraperture 84″ or the large diameter aperture 84″′ is flush with thesecond aperture 86.

FIG. 11D shows a perspective view of the portioning device 76 and thecover 78. In the present embodiment, the cover 78 comprises a secondaperture 86′ in the form of one circular aperture whereas the portioningdevice 76 comprise one aperture having the shape of a droplet 84″. Inthis way a multitude of different flows of feed may be achieveddepending on the rotational position of the portioning device 76, i.e.depending on whether the small diameter of the droplet 84″″ shapedaperture or the large diameter of the droplet 84″″ shaped aperture isflush with the second aperture 86.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a safety mechanism 88. The safetymechanism comprise an upper part 90 which is mounted to the firsthorizontal telescopic cylinder and a lower part 92 which is mounted onthe second vertical telescopic cylinder. The upper part 90 and the lowerpart 92 are held together rotatably by means of a bolt 94 and a bearing96. Rotation is in normal operation prevented by means of a lockingmechanism comprising four balls 98 which are forced by springs 100 in anupwardly direction partly protruding through holes 102 in the lower partand interacting with matching grooves 104 in the upper part 90. When alarge enough rotational force is applied to the feed dispensing device,the locking mechanism released in that the balls 98 will be depressedinto the holes 102 and the upper part 90 will rotate relative to thelower part 92. The locking mechanism thus releases when the feeddispensing device collides with an object. At the same time, when theupper part 90 rotates relative to the lower part 92, the switch 106 willdisengage the groove 104′ and the motorized feeding vehicle will bestopped. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the safety mechanism 88.The upper part 90 is fixedly mounted on the first horizontal telescopiccylinder 70.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the safety mechanism 88. The lowerpart 92 is fixedly mounted on the second vertical telescopic cylinder68.

Although the above animal farming system and motorized feeding vehiclehas been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it isevident to the skilled person that numerous modifications are feasible,such as a semi-autonomous system in which the motorized feeding vehicleis moving autonomously, but where the user is controlling the feedingmanually. Further, the user need not necessarily be controlling themotorized feeding vehicle while riding it; the user may also control themotorized feeding vehicle from another location via a remote control andcameras.

Further, the animal feeding system may include two or more motorizedfeeding vehicles operating at the same time. One motorized feedingvehicle may be used for the learn mode. The animal feeding system maythereafter be split up in sections wherein each motorized feedingvehicle operates in one of those sections.

LIST OF PARTS WITH REFERENCE TO THE FIGURES

-   10. Animal farming system-   12. Building-   14. Passage-   16. Cages-   18. Animal-   20. Motorized feeding vehicle-   22. Maintenance shed-   24. Path-   26. Entrance-   28. Feed tank-   30. Feed-   32. Feeding pipe-   32′. Second feeding pipe-   34. Power system-   36. Front wheel-   38. Engine-   40. User-   42. Steering wheel-   44. RFID tag-   46. GPS receiver-   48. Proximity sensor-   50. Internal position sensor-   52. RFID reader-   54. IR camera-   56. Control unit-   58. WIFI antenna (vehicle)-   58′. WIFI antenna (server)-   60. Server-   62. Surveillance camera-   64. Feed dispenser-   66. First vertical telescopic cylinder-   68. Second vertical telescopic cylinder-   70. First horizontal telescopic cylinder-   72. Second horizontal telescopic cylinder-   74. Feed dispensing device-   76. Portioning device-   78. Cover-   80. Sealing ring-   82. Motor-   84. First aperture-   86. Second aperture-   88. Safety mechanism-   90. Upper part-   92. Lower part-   94. Bolt-   96. Bearing-   98. Balls-   100. Springs-   102. Holes-   104. Grooves-   106. Switch

The invention claimed is:
 1. A motorized feeding vehicle for an animalfarming system, said animal farming system comprising a field having abuilding accommodating a plurality of cages, each cage adapted foraccommodating one or more animals, said motorized feeding vehiclecomprising: a power system operable for driving said motorized feedingvehicle; a steering system operable for determining a direction of saidmotorized feeding vehicle; an animal feeding system comprising a feedstorage tank configured for storing animal feed and a feeding pipeconfigured for conveying said animal feed from said feed storage tank tosaid cages individually, said animal feeding system further comprising afeeding control system operable for controlled feeding of said animalsvia said animal feeding system, said animal feeding system comprising afeed dispensing device that, in turn, comprises a portioning devicerotationally accommodated within a cover, said portioning device beingconnected to said feeding pipe, said portioning device including a firstcircumferential part defining a first aperture and said cover includinga second circumferential part defining a second aperture, said feeddispensing device defining a dispensing state when said portioningdevice is rotated relative to said cover so that said firstcircumferential part and said second circumferential part are positionedwith said first aperture and said second aperture at least partiallyoverlapping, and a non-dispensing state when said portioning device isrotated relative to said cover so that said first circumferential partand said second circumferential part are positioned with said firstaperture and said second aperture non-overlapping.
 2. The motorizedfeeding vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least one of said portioningdevice and said cover includes a plurality of apertures of differentconfigurations so as to allow a variation in the feed flow.